Chestnuthill student's death prompts letter from principal

Pius X High School Principal Anthony G. Ingenito has written an open letter to parents regarding the death of a 16-year-old Chestnuthill Township student Monday.

Pius X High School Principal Anthony G. Ingenito has written an open letter to parents regarding the death of a 16-year-old Chestnuthill Township student Monday.

"We are all saddened this week by the sudden death of Emma-Grace Stewart King, one of our students," Ingenito wrote today. "We have had psychologists and counselors present in our school today to assist the students and faculty in dealing with the questions and grief, which accompany a situation such as this."

He advised parents that they may see signs of sadness in their children over the next several weeks.

"For some students, a death of someone they know may remind them of some other loss in their lives. For other children this may be their first encounter with death. Children grieve differently from adults," he noted. "It is important that they have the opportunity to express their feelings. Such behaviors as lethargy, over-activity, crying, sleeplessness, lack of appetite, disinterest in usual activities, avoidance of the event, guilt and fear are expected.

"It is important that you deal honestly and directly with their questions," he continued. "Referring to death as going to sleep or passing away may result in confusion. It is appropriate that you use the word 'death' and refer to Emma as having 'died.'"